What is massage therapy!

["Vallamkali"]

Hi Everyone

After reading through the various posts in this forum and I thought it would be a good idea to see what peoples views are on massage therapy, what it is, how it works and the different forms that are utilised and taught!

I must admit is over 15 years since I did a relaxation massages and moved on into the physical therapy side of massage dealing with health care issues, I now work mainly as a remedial massage therapist dealing with muscular/skeletal dysfunctions and dance and sporting injuries which tend to be quite deep and not always relaxing to receive. I also do therapeutic/holistic massage therapy and a combination of a full body treatment and energy channelling which is well received.

With the exceptions of the few contraindications that where in my remedial massage training I do my best to treat anybody for any dysfunction they present themselves with and yes people do still come for regular treatments well after I have sorted what they originally came for realising the long term benefits on a preventative health care level.

I personally believe the benefits are far greater then what is academically acclaimed but that cannot be proven scientifically so is not usually thought, well enough of my thoughts lets have yours

 

[texas]

Hi Paul,

Interesting thought, getting back to basics. From my own experience, its a drug.

1). Driving somewhere to have an hour to yourself is great.
2). Anticipation of the massage
3). Switching off
4). Slowly coming back to reality
5). Couting the days to the next one.

I find that as a therapist, I end up combining some of the various treatments I have experienced, but at a much lighter touch because I am not fully qualified as a Tui Na, Shiatsu exponent for example.

My clients come for a remedial/relaxation or sports massage, but I invariably include some moves, (stretches), myofascial release techniques from other disciplines.

My aim is never to perform the same routine on a client. This keeps them guessing, and keeps me concentrating.

 

[Yousef]

Hi Topcat02

Yes it is nice not to pre-plan a treatment and see where it goes and where you are led when it starts and yes I have incorporated lots of techniques that I have had done on me over the years from various therapist doing different things, I tend to think that felt good what did it do and how can I use it to help someone else and it is stored in the memory bank until required

 

[6fleriniaphattasken237]

I think that's one of the things that I love about being a therapist. No two treatments are the same, even with the same client. I notice it even more with reflexology - my clients and their needs are so varied, from elderly people with severe osteoporosis, who are having remedial treatments, to those who just come for the pampering experience.

I work in varied places: from home, a beauty salon in a large health and fitness centre, a complementary centre and for an osteopath, so my clients are coming from different directions with different expectations. I love the variety.

Lesley

 

[zgsgqgyt]

From a purely client view (as you may or may not know,
I'm a marketing consultant, not a therapist), I don't think
I could do without my weekly sessions!

I first tried massage therapy because of back pain
I woke up to in the mornings. Could hardly move.

After a few sessions, it was gone! Amazing! And to
think, I'd been living unnecessarily with this pain
for some time.

Now it's a weekly thing because...

a) I want to keep the pain away.
b) I'm in front of my computer all day (so I need it!)
c) It's absolute bliss!

Funny thing is, I never thought massage therapy
would be so beneficial. And, not just at relaxing but
also at invigorating the mind and body.

I've tried Indian Head massage, Swedish and Reflexology.
ALL good! You sure do have 'magic' in your hands!

I firmly believe it should be a part of everyone's lives.
Especially in this fast-paced, stressed out enviroment
we live in.

I have a question...



Is that a good thing though? I mean keeping the client
guessing?

One therapist I know, and tried, varied her routine.
Not much. But enough to notice.

Another one kept to the same routine. I liked this because
I knew what I goes getting. So, I could switch off completely.
No surprises.

I understand varying your routine helps keep you (the
therapist) focused. Otherwise you may keel over with
boredom after the hundreth session with the same routine!
I'm sure you wouldn't!

But, have you ever asked clients which approach they
prefer? Since some people like things as they are, while
others do like change.

Do you have a routine A and a routine B you switch between?

Anyway, like topcat02, I'm counting the days to my next
session. Can't wait!

Mickey